Stangerochampsa, Undescribed Species

Stangerochampsa sp.

This small reptile represents a new undescribed species and one of the earliest stages of alligator evolution. Stangerochampsa has a uniquely heterodont dentition with more typically conical teeth in the anterior part of the mouth and short, blunt crushing teeth toward the posterior. Small turtles may have found themselves crushed to pieces in the mouth of this small yet powerful Late Cretaceous fresh-water predator.